A Typical Session

It isn't necessary to do much before you come in for your acupuncture appointment. However, it is better if you are neither too hungry nor too full so it is good to eat something light an hour or two before. The same goes for hydration. Many people prefer to wear loose clothing to their appointment; this way the acupuncture points can be easily accessed and you can usually remain mostly clothed. It is advisable to avoid doing anything physically strenuous on the day of your treatment, either before or after, especially when seeking treatment for pain. In addition, doing things like going to bed at a reasonable hour, eating well, avoiding intoxicants, staying hydrated, resting, and generally taking it easy on the day of your treatment can all help enhance and prolong the positive effects of acupuncture.

 

The Interview Process

Appointments begin with an exploration of your chief complaint. Through the interview process and traditional Chinese medicine diagnosis, we gain a detailed understanding of the nature of your chief complaint and how it fits into the framework of your overall health. The initial interview is usually about fifteen to twenty minutes long,  though depending on the complexity of the case it can go up to forty-five minutes. The more I can learn, the better I can understand your case, so I want you to know that you can tell me anything. Not only is everything we talk about completely confidential, I have spent so many years talking with people about complex emotions, bodily functions, and all types of fluids and secretions that it simply doesn't phase me at all anymore. Furthermore, these details are important in Chinese medicine for making what is called a differential diagnosis, a way of understanding your unique, individual case and presentation. Even things that seem unrelated can be helpful in making a diagnosis so it is beneficial to explore anything and everything. I also understand that you know your body better than anyone else so I want to hear about what you think is going on, what you think is causing it, and how you think things are related.

 

You Can Tell Me Anything

First, I want to emphasize that everything we talk about is completely confidential. Also, in Chinese medicine our physical and emotional aspects are completely inseparable; wellness is not just about making sure your body is healthy and functioning properly, it's also about how you feel. It is entirely appropriate during the interview for you to talk about your emotions. In fact, I want you to express these things not only because it helps me understand your condition, but also because it will help you feel better to express it. I also want to make it abundantly clear that I will never dismiss your symptoms as imaginary or conclude that they are all in your head. In Chinese medicine whatever you are experiencing is real and valid and every symptom is considered a valuable clue. This medicine has an amazing system for interpreting all types of symptoms, no matter how vague or seemingly unrelated, so everything is important. Finally, know that I am here to listen and help, not judge. As a medical practitioner, I know that we are all born imperfect, with different strengths and weaknesses, that even though it is a goal we should aim for there really is no such thing as perfect health. I love that Chinese medicine recognizes that we are all unique, quirky individuals and I enjoy that part of my job is getting the opportunity to meet so many different types of people. I want you to be you.

 

The Acupuncture Treatment

First I want to say that I work with people all the time who've never had acupuncture before and that I remember what it was like my first time, so I understand that you may be hesitant or unsure about what it will feel like. I can assure you that it is nothing like getting a shot or a tattoo and that most people are surprised by how little sensation there is from the needles. If you like, sometimes I let my new patients see a needle first, demonstrate needling on myself, or do just one point in a neutral place so you can get an idea of how it feels. The needles are more like tiny wires that are very thin and flexible, slipping between the cells instead of cutting in like a hypodermic. Even if we hit a capillary it is very rare for there to be any blood or, if there is, it is just one small drop. The vast majority of people feel very little when the needles first go in, though sometimes there is a spit-second pinch, like a mosquito bite, or a small reflexive twitch. If anything is sharp or uncomfortable we will adjust it. Once the needles are in they often seem to disappear, though some people may feel a gentle tingling, heaviness, ache, or other temporary mild sensation from them. If you feel anything it's more like you can just tell that something is happening; it doesn't feel like you have something sharp in your skin. The acupuncture treatment itself occurs on a standard massage table, with plenty of extra cushions, blankets, and an infrared heat lamp to make sure you are nice and cozy. I usually choose about fifteen points and they stay in for approximately 25 to 30 minutes. Once they are in I leave the room so you can focus inward undistracted. There is no need to stay completely still. In fact, during this time it is perfectly fine to breathe deeply, shift and wiggle a bit, and allow your muscles to release. Most people get very relaxed, many fall asleep; acupuncture is an excellent way to decompress and unwind. Afterward, you may feel a little spacey or sleepy for a bit, but usually that only lasts for a few minutes. I include other traditional complementary therapies at no extra charge so, depending on your condition, I may follow the acupuncture with some or all of those listed below.

 

Complimentary Therapies that Enhance Acupuncture

Chinese medicine is so much more than just acupuncture. As a Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, I am also trained in herbal medicine, Chinese nutrition, and different types of traditional hands-on techniques. I find that these complementary therapies can enhance the effects of acupuncture, helping you get better faster, giving me the ability to address a wide range of diverse conditions. If any of them would be beneficial for your condition, I will include them with your session at no extra charge. In addition to acupuncture, my toolbox includes acupuncture, herbal medicine, tui na (Chinese medical massage), zhi ya (acupressure), chi nei tsang (abdominal massage) ba guan (cupping), gua sha (massage with jade and horn tools), topical herbal formulas for pain, and 5 element nutrition.